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Politics : Stockman Scott's Political Debate Porch -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: TigerPaw who wrote (4427)	8/14/2002 12:40:48 PM
From: stockman_scott	Respond to of 89467

We need a cure for summertime news By DEBORAH MATHIS SYNDICATED COLUMNIST Wednesday, August 14, 2002 WASHINGTON -- These are the times that try men's souls. And their pocketbooks. And their stamina. And their good sense. These are difficult days, to be sure. The news is full of anxieties. Wildfires, child abductions, terror threats, beatings, spousal murders at Fort Bragg, the West Nile virus, the stock market mess. There is so much to be afraid of, so much to worry about. Gone are the days when "road rage" made us fret. Given all this, wouldn't it be nice if we could take the threat of another war off the list? Yet, here we are, tipping upon the dog days, and there is a distant rattling of sabers to be heard. Despite some leaks and healthy suspicions, we are quite in the dark about whether the United States is going to take Iraq to the battlefield. From some indications, we are moving in that direction. But there is much trepidation on Capitol Hill, although some observers say the president can proceed without a congressional nod. Yes. But he can't make that move without bringing the public on board and, thus far, we are drowning in skepticism and hesitation. There's no one stepping up to defend the indefensible, intractable Saddam Hussein. Hardly anyone questions just how diabolical he is and what cruel designs he has up his sleeve. But if we're talking about committing more American troops to war and ratcheting up world tensions even more, we want a better reason than the fact that Saddam is despicable. The clear and present danger must be presented to us. Easier said than done, you say. Well, yes, but necessary. The fact is, we can't take much more pressure. The new dangers that have exploded onto the scene in the past year are taking their toll on all of our faculties. We are trying to hold it together, trying to keep the flag waving, trying to keep the smiles ready, trying to enjoy the picnics and the hammocks. But this summer is wearing us down and the idea that, soon enough, we may be entangled in another combat wrapped in ethnic, religious, cultural and regional conflicts is simply overbearing. I do not resent the president of the United States taking a breather in Kennebunkport, Maine, and Crawford, Texas. There can be no tougher job on the planet -- not even for those who tend to oversimplify the responsibility. But could he please recognize that we too need a break? Or, failing that, at least a powerfully compelling case for engagement? It's time to make this case and make it in all honesty. Otherwise, put the sabers down and pass the lemonade. ----------------------------------------------- Deborah Mathis is a columnist with Tribune Media Services. seattlepi.nwsource.com